You may have heard of Gary Chapman’s book ‘The Five Love Languages‘. It is an analysis of your emotional communication preferences. There is a survey you can take which will help you determine how you prefer to receive love. People give and receive love in many different ways. Usually, people give the love that they want to receive. This can often lead to frustration and strain within a relationship, because partners will often have differing emotional communication preferences, and not always be aware of how to meet their significant other’s needs. It is even possible that at one time, you were fulfilling each other’s needs, but no longer are. Over time, your primary love language may change.
For example, in only two years, my primary love language shifted from the highest possible score for Physical Touch (12) which is now my 3rd love language (8), after Words of Affirmation (11) and Quality Time (9). I was blessed with an observant husband plus the freedom within my relationship with him to communicate my needs, so the shift was met with ease on both parts. I was still so happy to actually see myself changing, instead of just feeling different about physical touch, I was able to see my preferences and sort them out.
There are five main love languages. They are:
Words of Affirmation
Physical Touch
Acts of Service
Quality Time
Receiving Gifts
Date-Night-In Idea…
I would recommend taking this test, and having your spouse take it as well. Read and talk about what their needs are, and how you can fulfill their needs better. Don’t be afraid to express your needs, allow yourself to be vulnerable to your spouse, even if they are surprised by the results. Communicate with them, and allow this test to be the ice breaker. I recommend taking the test alone and then coming together to discuss the results. Pray with your spouse that God gives you the ability to communicate love for your husband the way he needs to receive it. Here is the test link, it is free and only takes a few minutes.
http://www.5lovelanguages.com/
My next few posts will be addressing these love languages, along with giving ideas as to how to meet the needs of your spouse in these areas. Please, follow along. Be blessed.
~Sarah
wifeafterchrist 